Malta Marathon Celebrates 40 Years with Record-Breaking Event

Feb 23 2025

The 40th edition of the LifeStar Malta Marathon took place this morning, and was the largest in its history with a record 5,100 athletes registered. This marks a significant increase from the 1,800 participants in the previous year.

The marathon offers various race categories, including the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km), and a 5K Charity Run & Walk. The 5K event supports three notable charities: Caritas Malta, Puttinu Cares, and HopeXchange Malta. Additionally, approximately 700 children are expected to participate in a 1.5 km race, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and community engagement.

The marathon route begins outside the ancient fortified walls of Mdina, Malta’s medieval capital, and concludes in the coastal town of Sliema. Participants will experience a predominantly downhill course, descending from 195 meters above sea level to the Mediterranean coastline. The scenic route encompasses both countryside and urban landscapes, with the final kilometres running alongside Malta’s renowned natural harbour.

This year’s event will feature prominent athletes, including 2024 Malta Marathon champion and three-time French Marathon titleholder Alaa Hrioud, as well as Italian Marathon champion Oukhrid Lhoussaine. UK Paralympics gold medallist and world record holder Richard Whitehead, known for competing with prosthetic legs, will also participate, highlighting the marathon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Organizers have announced several road closures to accommodate the event. Notably, the Marsa-Ħamrun bypass will be closed in the direction of Marsa between 8:35 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with motorists advised to seek alternative routes. Seafront roads in Ta’ Xbiex, Msida, Gżira, and Sliema will also experience closures from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The LifeStar Malta Marathon continues to grow in popularity, attracting participants from over 80 countries. Its blend of competitive racing, charitable initiatives, and community involvement underscores its status as a premier event in Malta’s sporting calendar.

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Cyclist Raises Awareness After Injury Due To Pothole

Feb 22 2025

Are You Being Served? member and Marsalforn resident Montesin CM has shared his story behind his injuries to raise awareness over the issue of the safety of Maltese roads for cyclists.

Montesin stated that he was riding his bike from Rabat to Marsalforn when the front tyre of his bike got caught in a pothole and sent him flying to the ground.

This fall resulted in Montesin having to get 8 stitches to his eyebrow plus a number of bruises and scraps which stand as a reminder of how lucky he got that that is the only treatment he needed.

Writing to Are You Being Served?, he stated that the lack of care and attention paid by Malta’s leaders to the country’s roads is harming the safety and protection of the hundreds of Maltese cyclists and the whole Maltese population.

He confirmed that he was posting his story both for awareness sake and for any professional or legal advice.

Montesin also thanked the nurses and doctors at the Gozo hospital that helped him recover.

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St. Paul’s Bay Garden Named in Honour of Kacey Sciberras, Teenager Killed in Crash

Feb 22 2025

A new garden in St Paul’s Bay has been dedicated to the memory of Kacey Sciberras, the 17-year-old who tragically lost her life in a traffic accident in 2023.

The Kacey Sciberras Garden, situated near Piscopo Cash and Carry, was officially opened by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and the St Paul’s Bay Local Council.

Sciberras died in a crash on the Central Link road in Attard when the Chevrolet Aveo she was in lost control. She passed away at the scene.

St Paul’s Bay Mayor Censu Galea explained that the idea for the garden was first proposed by the previous council before the 2022 election, with Sciberras’ active involvement in the local festa committee inspiring the dedication.

The garden space was later expanded with the help of Project Green.

Sciberras, also a student at the Institute of Tourism Studies and president of the student council, was remembered for her community spirit. Mayor Galea called for other young people to be inspired by her commitment.

Councillor Sandra Gauci used the occasion to stress the importance of road safety, urging greater discipline to prevent further tragedies.

Taking to Facebook, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli stated that Kacey was a girl from St. Paul’s Bay and that she was very active in the community, but she was lost her in a fatal traffic accident.

Dalli also expressed her joy of being able to remember Kacy’s memory through this garden, in front of Kacy’s friends and family.

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Solidarjetà President Reveals That Landlords Have Asked Tenants For Sexual Acts

Feb 22 2025

Some tenants in Malta have been subjected to shocking abuses by landlords, including demands for sexual favours, according to Solidarjetà president Matthew Attard.

Speaking in Parliament earlier this week, Attard highlighted the challenges tenants face, detailing cases reported to the union’s tenants and lessees section.

Among the most alarming abuses is sexual harassment by landlords, followed by cases of landlords illegally cutting off electricity and water or unjustly evicting tenants.

Additionally, Attard exposed a scheme where landlords, in collaboration with agents, use multiple rental contracts to evade taxes.

One of the more widespread scams involves landlords demanding a deposit before signing a lease.

If tenants raise concerns about the property, landlords cancel the agreement but refuse to return the deposit. In some cases, the property never existed, making this a full-scale fraud.

Another common issue is the inclusion of illegal clauses in rental contracts, many of which facilitate unlawful evictions. The union estimates that at least 30,000 contracts registered with the Housing Authority contain such clauses.

Attard concluded by addressing rising property prices, emphasising that discussions on the rental market must also consider the broader housing crisis affecting Malta.

Taking to Instagram, Solidarjetà stated that the union will continue to work hard on these issues and urged people to join to fight against these injustices.

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